Code 27 Conversations With Cousins

About Code 27 Conversations With Cousins

Hosted by Alisha Stevenson, LPC, trauma therapist, wellness advocate, cancer survivor, and former police officer, alongside her cousin Bridget, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of the Melanin Drip Collective, Code 27: Conversations with Cousins is a space for honest conversations about healing, wellness, relationships, resilience, and making room for joy. In police code, a Code 27 means taking a break from service. In life, it means giving yourself permission to pause, heal, and reconnect with what matters most. Each week, Alisha and Bridget blend clinical insight, real-life experiences, humor, and heart as they explore topics like trauma, stress, nervous system regulation, self-care, identity, boundaries, personal growth, and thriving after life's challenges. Whether you're navigating burnout, healing from difficult experiences, rebuilding confidence, or simply trying to live a healthier and happier life, you'll find practical tools, encouragement, and relatable conversations. This isn't about perfection. It's about progress. Take a break. Take care. Heal and make room for joy. New episodes every week. #Code27 #HealingConversations #MentalHealth #TraumaHealing #Wellness #SelfCare #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #MakeRoomForJoy

Publisher

Alisha Stevenson

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jun 2026

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Oct 2026

   Teen Life in 2026

   Episode 28: Teen Life in 2026—A Conversation with My Niece Hey, cousins! This week, Alisha Stevenson welcomes her niece, Jordan, for an honest conversation about being a teenager in 2026. From school pressure and trouble focusing to social media overload and worries about world events, Jordan shares what’s weighing on her generation. Together, they explore loneliness, the fear of rejection, making genuine friendships, and the pressure to show only parts of yourself online. Jordan also offers simple reminders: spend less time on your phone, get outside, and make room for connection. This episode invites adults to listen and reminds young people that their feelings matter, their struggles deserve acknowledgment, and they deserve support. Take a break. Take care. Heal and make room for joy.

2. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Ep.27 Reset Moments: Small Pauses Count

   Code 27 Reset Moment: Small Pauses Count You don’t need a vacation or a free hour to take a moment for yourself. In this short solo episode, Alisha shares simple ways to pause wherever you are: notice your surroundings, check in with your body, move a little, or take a breath. Join her for a quick reset and a reminder that even 30 seconds count.

3. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Anxiety is not Random

   What if your anxiety isn’t just “overthinking”—but your body trying to tell you something? In this episode, Alisha and Bridget talk about anxious thoughts, physical warning signs, triggers, and why getting curious about what you’re feeling can be the first step toward healing. Plus, take a quick Code 27 Reset and learn how to pause before anxiety takes over. Your body is talking. Are you listening? #Code27 #Anxiety #NervousSystem #MentalHealth #Healing

4. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Ep. 24 Safety in the Body and What it Means

   Episode 24: What Does Safety Feel Like? 🌿 You’ve been told to relax—but what if your body doesn’t actually feel safe enough to slow down? In this episode of Code 27: Conversations with Cousins, Alisha and Bridget continue the conversation about rest, safety, and stepping away from the constant pressure to grind, produce, and keep going. We talk about how trauma, stress, worry, and always being “on” can make slowing down uncomfortable—and how creating a sense of safety can help your mind and body finally begin to settle. We explore simple ways to build safety through: Breathwork and grounding Movement and emotional release Rest and intentional quiet Supportive relationships and therapy Creating peaceful environments Letting go of what you cannot control Remember: wellness is a practice, not perfection. Sometimes the first step is simply asking yourself, “What do I need right now to feel safe, secure, and settled?” ✨ Safety in. Anxiety out. 🏆 Everyday People Award: This week, we recognize Officer Melinda Jordan for more than two decades of service to the City of Cincinnati and her continued commitment to supporting children, families, and schools with compassion, poise, and grace. We see you and appreciate you! 🎧 Listen, follow, and share Code 27: Conversations with Cousins. Out of Service. Into Healing.

5. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Ep. 23 Why You Can’t “Just Relax”

   Just Relax! If only it were that easy.

6. 

   29 Jun 2026

   Ep. 15: Why you Overthink Everything

   Do you ever find yourself replaying conversations, worrying about the worst-case scenario, or struggling to quiet your mind? In this episode of Code 27: Conversations with Cousins, Alisha and Bridget explore why overthinking happens, how it's connected to our nervous system's need to protect us, and practical ways to break free from the cycle. Learn simple tools like brain dumping, journaling, gratitude, reframing unhelpful stories, and creating moments of peace in an overstimulated world. If you're ready to quiet the mental noise and make room for calm, this conversation is for you.

7. 

   28 Jun 2026

   EP 14: People Please isn't Kindness-It's Survival

   In this episode of Code 27: Conversations with Cousins, Alisha and Bridget explore how people-pleasing is often more than just "being nice"—it's a survival strategy rooted in trauma, fear, and the need for acceptance. They discuss how childhood experiences, anxious attachment, and conflict avoidance can lead us to overcommit, ignore our own needs, and lose ourselves in the process. The conversation offers practical ways to begin setting healthy boundaries, honoring your "yes" and your "no," and recognizing that rest is not selfish—it's essential. Plus, they share a simple mindful movement exercise to help release stress from the body and recognize Teresa as the Everyday People Award Health & Wellness Champion for her lifelong commitment to wellness and self-advocacy. A powerful reminder to step out of survival mode, embrace healthier relationships, and take a break, take care, heal, and make room for joy.

8. 

   28 Jun 2026

   Ep. 13: The Strong One and Why it’s Exhausting

   Most women, especially Black women, are praised for being strong — but at what cost? What if real strength is knowing when to pause, take a break, and set boundaries? In this heartfelt episode, Alicia and Bridget unpack the hidden toll of society's pressure to always be the strong one. They share personal stories, like battling illness and learning to say no, to reveal how embracing vulnerability is actually a sign of true resilience. You'll discover why the strong Black woman stereotype can keep you stuck in exhaustion and stress — and the simple, powerful shifts that can change your relationship with strength. Rivering the HALT framework, they teach you how to check in with yourself: Are you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired? And how to honor your limits without guilt. This episode redefines what it means to be strong. It's perfect for anyone feeling drained or overwhelmed by societal expectations — whether you're a woman, a man, or anyone trying to find space to be human. If you're tired of carrying invisible burdens and ready to reclaim your well-being, this conversation is your wake-up call. Get inspired to prioritize yourself, set boundaries, and understand that true strength includes vulnerability and self-care. Don't just survive — thrive by learning how to pause and be kind to yourself. Listen now and start rewriting your story of strength — because you deserve boundaries, rest, and peace.

9. 

   28 Jun 2026

   Ep. 12: How Trauma Shapes Your Identity

   In this episode of Code 27: Conversations with Cousins, Alisha and Bridget explore how trauma can shape the way we see ourselves without defining who we are. They discuss how experiences like neglect, inconsistent support, loss, divorce, abuse, illness, and other overwhelming life events can create survival patterns such as extreme independence, people-pleasing, anxiety, or difficulty trusting others. Alisha shares personal reflections on how her childhood experiences and cancer journey influenced her own need for independence and how healing required learning to accept support. Join the conversation as they discuss recognizing trauma responses, increasing self-awareness, and finding balance between the survival skills that once protected us and the healthier ways of living that help us thrive today. Remember: trauma may be part of your story, but it is not your identity. Take a Break. Take Care. Heal and Make Room for Joy. #Code27 #HealingConversations #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #Wellness #Podcast #MakeRoomForJo

10. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Episode 10: Take a Break. Take Care. Heal and Make Room for Joy!

    In this milestone 10th episode, Bridget and Alisha explore the importance of rest, self-care, and listening to what your body needs. Through personal stories and honest reflections, they discuss how the pressure to stay busy often begins in childhood and can follow us into adulthood. Alisha shares memories of resisting kindergarten nap time because she didn't want to miss out on learning and play, while Bridget emphasizes the value of slowing down and creating space to reset. Together, they encourage listeners to embrace rest without guilt, pay attention to their physical and mental well-being, and recognize that taking a break is an important part of growth, healing, and showing up as their best selves. Tune in for an uplifting conversation filled with wisdom, reflection, and practical reminders to prioritize yourself.

11. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Ep. 9: You Don't Have to Heal Alone

    In this heartfelt episode of Code 27: Conversations with Cousins, Alisha and Bridget explore the power of healing in community and why support matters during life's hardest seasons. Drawing from Alisha’s personal journey as a colorectal cancer survivor approaching 10 years cancer-free, they discuss how connection, laughter, vulnerability, and trusted relationships can lighten the weight of physical and emotional struggles. Together, they unpack the difference between independence, codependence, and healthy interdependence, while encouraging listeners to take inventory of their support systems and intentionally nurture meaningful connections. This episode is a reminder that healing was never meant to be a solo journey—sometimes it begins with a single conversation and the courage to reach out. Take a break, take care, heal, and make room for joy.

12. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Ep. 8: Code 27 Tools (How do we Actually Cope)

    Awareness is important—but what do we actually do when we're feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, Alisha and her cousin share simple, practical tools to help calm the nervous system and interrupt the stress spiral. From breathwork and grounding techniques to stepping away and taking a purposeful pause, these strategies are designed to be realistic, accessible, and effective in everyday life. This conversation is a reminder that coping doesn't have to be complicated. Healing isn't about being perfect—it's about creating small moments of intention when you need them most. A Code 27 is a pause with intention.

13. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Ep.7: Triggers are not Weakness

    Why does something seemingly small sometimes cause such a big reaction? In this episode, Alisha and her cousin explore what triggers really are and why they can feel so overwhelming. Together, they unpack the connection between our nervous system, past experiences, and present-day reactions. You'll learn why triggers aren't signs of weakness or being "too sensitive"—they're signals from your body carrying important information. Instead of judging your reactions, what if you became curious about them? Join us for a compassionate conversation about nervous system awareness, self-understanding, and healing. Remember: A trigger isn't the problem—it's a signal.

14. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Ep. 6: Consistency is Key

    In this uplifting closing episode, Alisha Stevenson and Bridget share heartfelt reflections on healing, self-care, and the power of staying consistent on your wellness journey. Together, they remind listeners that consistency is key—but showing up at your best can look different in different seasons of life. Reflecting on recording and continuing forward even after surgery, they speak honestly about giving yourself grace while still choosing to show up in whatever way you can. From prioritizing mental and emotional wellness to embracing rest, resilience, and intentional daily choices, Alisha and Bridget encourage listeners to honor their journey without comparison. The episode closes with warmth, authenticity, and the reminder to “Take a break. Take care. Heal and Make Room for Joy.”

15. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Ep.5: What is Trauma Really?

    In Episode 5 of the podcast, Alisha and her cousin, Bridget, unpack what trauma really means—and why it’s so much more than just major life events. They explore how trauma lives in the body, how everyday experiences like childhood stress, toxic relationships, and constant pressure can overwhelm our nervous systems, and why comparing pain keeps people from healing. This honest conversation reminds listeners that trauma isn’t about how “big” something looked on the outside—it’s about how it felt inside. A validating and compassionate episode for anyone learning to understand their story and begin healing.

16. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Ep. 4: When Life Forces You to Pause

    Sometimes we don’t choose to slow down… life chooses for us. In this episode, Alisha opens up about the moment her cancer diagnosis forced everything to stop—and how burnout, chronic stress, and constantly pushing through can quietly impact our minds and bodies long before we realize it. This conversation is a reminder that trauma isn’t only the big life-altering moments. Sometimes it’s the accumulation of stress, pressure, survival mode, and never allowing yourself space to breathe. “Your body doesn’t compare trauma… it responds to what it experiences.” If you’ve ever minimized your pain because “others have it worse,” this episode is for you. We’re talking about listening to your body, honoring your experiences, and recognizing that sometimes the pause we resist… is the one we need the most. Take a break. Take care. Heal and Make Room for Joy

17. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Ep. 3: The Guilt of Rest

    In this episode of Code 27 Conversations with Cousins, Alisha and Bridget talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough—why rest can sometimes feel uncomfortable or even wrong. They explore how living in survival mode keeps the nervous system stuck in stress and motion, making it difficult to slow down without guilt, anxiety, or restlessness. This conversation offers reassurance, compassion, and insight into nervous system dysregulation while reminding listeners that rest is not something you have to earn—it’s something your body needs. “You’re not failing at rest… you’re learning it.”

18. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Ep 2: Busy is Not Always Better

    Why do we wear exhaustion like a badge of honor? In this episode of Code 27 Conversations With Cousins, Alisha and Bridget unpack the survival mode trap and the cultural belief that being busy equals success. Together, they explore how overwhelm, stress, and constant motion can keep us disconnected from true rest and peace. Learn how fight-or-flight responses show up in everyday life, why slowing down can feel uncomfortable, and how awareness is the first step toward healing. If you’ve been feeling burned out, anxious, or unable to rest without guilt, this conversation is for you. “You’re not lazy… you’re overwhelmed.”

19. 

    28 Jun 2026

    Ep. 1: Code 27: What is Code 27?

    Welcome to Episode 1 of Code 27. In police terms, “Code 27” means going out of service for a break—and that’s exactly what this podcast is about. Code 27 is a countercultural movement that respects and expects rest as the norm. It’s about listening to our bodies, getting unstuck, and remembering the things we already know but often forget to practice in daily life. These are real conversations about real life, healing, wellness, mindset, and showing up as the best version of ourselves. Consider this your reminder to take care of you so you can live well and make room for joy.

Contact Code 27 Conversations With Cousins

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.